ABCs of a vegan diet

Here's how to transition into the diet happily and healthily.

"It's very difficult to be a vegan, especially when you're into the idea of joy," laughs British comedian (and vegan) Simon Amstell during his stand-up show. 

It's a sentiment we can all recognise - what is life without cheese? How do we find the time (and the energy) to cook from scratch and stick to a diet free from any animal products, including meat, fish, dairy, eggs, honey and gelatin? And how can we stay full on 'rabbit food'? 

It's easier and tastier than ever to go vegan. And it's far from restrictive: think grilled veggie soft tacos, hearty seitan and mushroom Bourguignon, sweet potato and black bean shepherd's pie, pumpkin, chickpea and coconut curry, crispy corn fritters with globs of avocado mash. 

Curious to try veganism? Take these time-saving steps

1. Prepare properly to eat the full pyramid

This should be obvious, but a lot of vegan beginners dive in without making sure they've accounted for the ABCs of a vegan diet - a varied one that accounts for every food group. This vegan plate plan gives you a visual representation of what you should be, including fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, calcium-rich food and other essential vitamins and minerals. 

2. Take your first vegan shopping trip

Supermarkets can be a minefield when you first start eating a vegan diet. For a more extensive idea of what to fill your vegan fridge and pantry with, this vegan shopping list is a huge help. But here are the basics: 

• Root veg for roasting, mashing and turning into soup. We're talking potato, squash, pumpkin, carrots, beetroot and turnip.
• Versatile veggies such as cauliflower, broccoli, artichokes, asparagus and bok choy. 
• Grains and pasta are perfect for easy meals. Fill up on rice, quinoa, oats, corn, buckwheat, barley, amaranth and bulgur (great for Tabbouleh). 
• Beans = vegan staples. Black, cannellini, edamame, kidney, lentils and peas - pair them with grains, pasta, chilli, and even sweet recipes. 
• Fruits - go wild! From coconuts and clementines to plums and peaches, nature provides us with the sweetest vegan treats. 
• Meat alternatives such as tofu (curdled soy milk that comes in blocks), tempeh (fermented soybeans) and seitan (seasoned wheat "meat") are the holy trio of meaty substitutes. Barbeques aren't off-limits - most supermarkets have special aisles dedicated to veggie burgers, realistic 'plant-meat' burgers, mock sausages, mince, jerky, chicken, pork, meatballs, bacon and more. Vegan "tuna" has even hit some stores recently.
• Dairy alternatives to get your cheesy fix include vegan cheese (whole, sliced and shredded), plant-based parmesan and blue cheese (pong included), dairy-free kinds of milk, butter and yoghurts. Cheese sauces are also available, or you can make your own by blitzing soaked cashew nuts, nutritional yeast, lemon juice and a pinch of salt together. 
• Sweeteners are all fine for vegans apart from honey. Stock up with maple syrup, molasses, beet sugar, organic cane sugar (some normal cane sugar is filtered with bone char), date sugar and sweeteners such as Stevia.
• Seedy fat-fixes are our favourite - particularly nut butter, chia seeds, sesame seeds, flaxseeds (Omega-3 powerhouses), tahini and cooking oils. 
• Sauces and condiments will elevate any vegan dish. Salty tamari (soy sauce), spicy sriracha, sweet-tinged BBQ, mustard, ketchup, vegan mayo (without eggs), salsa, pickles, olives and capers are your go-to's.
• Herbs and spices such as paprika, rosemary, oregano, coriander, chilli flakes, cumin, turmeric, cayenne pepper and mustard seeds can make any dish sing. Ideally, you can stock up your pantry with them, so they're always on hand to whip up something delicious. 

3. Substitutes can make the transition easy

Sometimes, it's okay for your nutrition to take a 'junky' hit, as long as it's done in moderation. You need to adjust to this diet to stick to it and enjoy it. After all, transitioning into a vegan diet can force you to replace some of your favourite foods. 

Pizza, ice cream sandwiches, nachos, Oreos, vegan mac-and-cheese meals, bagels, "no-chicken" nuggets, peanut butter cookies, deep-fried "mozzarella" sticks… lots of vegans treat themselves to the endless list of vegan junk food available. 

4. Shop the seasons

Buying your fruit and vegetables locally and seasonally ensures you get more flavour and nutrients - farmer's markets are your best friend for fresh, in-season produce. 

5. Join a supportive community

It can sometimes feel isolating transitioning to veganism, especially when organising dinner at a friend's place or dining out at a restaurant. 

There's so much support in vegan groups on Facebook and some truly inspiring accounts on Instagram for inspiration and motivation. We love Oh She Glows, Deliciously Ella, Edgarraw and The Sunkissed Kitchen (magical, colourful dishes). 

Don't forget to follow Holmes Place on Instagram for handy vegan recipes straight from the grid, like our sunshine meal recipe or homemade red lentil hummus.

If you're inspired to try the vegan diet yourself, you need to make it enjoyable if you want it to be sustainable. We hope this beginner's guide helps you get started.